One of the most important feature that the latest version of Google Maps (v5.7) for Android brings is the support for offline maps. This feature allows you to save map tiles in a 10-mile radius around regions of your choice without an active internet connection.

This is of course very useful for Android users with a limited data plan or those who’re planning a trip in a place without an active internet connection. Beauty lies in the fact that you can save as many locations as you want – you are limited only to the amount of date space on your smartphone.

Well, the feature has been included as part of the experimental features.

To enable this feature you’ll have to turn it on by hitting Android’s menu button, selecting “More” and then choosing “Labs”. Touch “Download map area”, then hit the Back button.

To save a map area, just long-press in the area you want, press the arrow on the sign that pops up and choose “Download map area”. That’s it, Google Maps will then download the map in a 10-mile radius around that point.